A WORKING party of local council, health, authority and voluntary organisation representatives has been established to further the new £452 million 'trailblazer' programme to create more opportunities for young children and their families.

St Helens is one of only 60 areas to develop the Sure Start programme which begins in March. Its aim is to make a real difference in disadvantaged communities throughout the country. Councillor Leon McGuire, chairman of Social Services says it heralds the beginning of a new era of support for parents and families.

Money from Government is being made available to support the project. The trailblazer projects are the first step in implementing Sure Start by bringing together childcare, health services and social services to work together to forward policies to bring about radical changes to the quality of life. The ultimate aim is to create healthier children, children who are more eager to learn, stronger families and communities, less crime and fewer school age pregnancies.

Sure Start will offer:

A home visit for each family with new babies, giving support and information.

Local services, including health, education and childcare, working together in the interests of families and children.

Better access to a range of early support including childcare, toddler groups and toy libraries.

Better physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of children via better support and access to health and also education programmes.

Councillor McGuire said: "Investment in services for young children and their families in deprived areas is an essential part of our efforts to tackle social exclusion and premote regeneration. This initiative should be warmly welcomed by all as a means of achieving better health, education and opportunity for young children and their parents."

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